I'm a bad blogger

I really have slipped with the blog of late, and to my 6 loyal readers (who have all likely abandoned me now), I apologize. Just haven't been feeling the blog of late, due to a number of factors.

Went to Chicago over the weekend, a surprise visit to see Mom. She has had a helluva time since moving back to Chicago from Las Vegas. After Papa Chipstack passed last June, Mom had a tough time. She finally left the desert, went back home, and proceeded to break her leg and arm, and just when she was on the way back from that, she has had elevated ammonia levels. A real riddle for the doctors--they can't find the cause. It does suck, because she's such a vibrant person. Seeing her in a hospital bed isn't easy. I know it's necessary, but it's still tough. I am hopeful she bounces back from all this, and soon. She needs to start living again, something she hasn't done since Pops became ill before passing. She loved him so much, it was crushing to her. She seems to finally be at peace with all of it, but now she has to get her body right.

Have played a little between posts--ok, a couple league tourneys and a couple trips to Irish Jim's, with a few home games mixed in. Still not enough to quench my thirst, but it will have to do. Have had limited success, with a runner-up at a league tourney, and a couple 3rds in smaller games, but for the most part, I'm kinda stuck in neutral. League TOC is coming up in a few weeks, so I am amped about that, but it's a long day. The league satellite tourney goes first, then the big dance. Always a fun day with friends, and poker.

The countdown to Vegas has begun. Under 2 months away from the pilgrimage to the land of cheap shrimp cocktail, Elvis impersonators, and, um....oh yeah, poker. Looking forward to making the trip with friends, some of which have had a rough year, thanks to the economy. Some are bouncing back, which is nice to see. I just hope all that are planning to go will still be able to make the trip. It's always a great time.

My poker uniform collection (read hockey jerseys), is growing. Mrs. Chipstack proved how wonderful she is (again), as she fulfilled a wish of mine that pre-dates our relationship. She even did it with just me making a statement about it. I left it alone after I mentioned it, but she went ahead and went through an ordering process, paid for it, had it shipped, and was wearing it the day it arrived--total surprise. It's a jersey that s likely going to make the trip to Vegas in the summer--that's how awesome it is.

Been sweating my Blackhawks in the Stanley Cup playoffs as well, and what a ride it's been. They are young and very inexperienced, but they just don't care. They can close out Vancouver with a win tonight (which would be sick, since the game is in Chicago), and if they advance, they play for the Western Conference title, and a trip to the Cup final. Amazing team, fun to watch, and they have made hockey in my hometown relevant again.

Anyway, don't know when the next time I'll sit at a table--could be the end of the month. Busy time at work now, and that includes weekends. On a positive note, at the end of the month, I'll be 20 days closer to Vegas!!!

Good luck and good cards,
~M